Question 1

What is the Susan Barton Reading System?

Accepted Answer

The Susan Barton Reading System is a structured literacy approach based on Orton-Gillingham principles, designed to teach reading through explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, decoding, and comprehension. It's particularly effective for students who struggle with traditional reading methods or have dyslexia, as it breaks down reading into manageable, sequential steps that build strong foundational skills.

Question 2

Do Toledo schools use the Susan Barton Reading System?

Accepted Answer

While Toledo's 32 school districts use various reading curricula, the Susan Barton Reading System is a specialized, individualized approach often used as a supplement or alternative for students who need more targeted support. Varsity Tutors connects students in Toledo with tutors trained in the Susan Barton method to provide personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to each student's learning needs, which complements classroom instruction regardless of the school's primary reading program.

Question 3

How does Susan Barton Reading help struggling readers?

Accepted Answer

The Susan Barton system addresses common reading challenges—like difficulty with phonemic awareness, decoding unfamiliar words, or connecting sounds to letters—through explicit, multi-sensory instruction that moves at the student's pace. With personalized 1-on-1 tutoring, students get immediate feedback and targeted practice on their specific weak areas, which research shows is far more effective than classroom instruction alone where teachers manage large groups with varying needs.

Question 4

What happens in the first Susan Barton tutoring session?

Accepted Answer

In your first session, a tutor trained in the Susan Barton method will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific strengths and gaps (like phonemic awareness, decoding, or fluency), and establish baseline goals. This assessment guides the tutoring plan, ensuring instruction starts exactly where your student needs it and progresses systematically through the Susan Barton sequence.

Question 5

What ages and grade levels can benefit from Susan Barton Reading tutoring?

Accepted Answer

The Susan Barton Reading System works for students from early elementary through high school, and even adults, since it's based on how the brain learns to read rather than age-specific benchmarks. Whether your student is in kindergarten just beginning phonics or a middle schooler still struggling with decoding, personalized instruction can be adapted to their developmental level and reading stage.

Question 6

How is Susan Barton tutoring different from classroom reading instruction?

Accepted Answer

Classroom teachers in Toledo work with student-teacher ratios averaging 17:1, making it difficult to provide the individualized pacing and repetition struggling readers need. Susan Barton tutoring offers 1-on-1 instruction customized to your student's learning style, with immediate feedback, frequent practice, and the ability to slow down or accelerate based on mastery—not grade-level pace.

Question 7

How long does it take to see improvement with Susan Barton Reading tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Many students show noticeable improvement in phonemic awareness, decoding accuracy, and confidence within 4-8 weeks of consistent 1-on-1 tutoring, though the timeline depends on the student's starting point and frequency of sessions. Sustained progress in fluency and comprehension typically develops over months of systematic, sequential instruction as foundational skills strengthen.

Question 8

What qualifications should a Susan Barton Reading tutor have?

Accepted Answer

Look for tutors trained specifically in the Susan Barton Reading System or Orton-Gillingham methodology, with experience assessing and teaching students with reading difficulties or dyslexia. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have demonstrated knowledge of structured literacy principles and a track record of helping students build strong reading skills.

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